but what's the point of the middle row of pots? isn't that just to control L/R balance? wouldn't you always want to keep that centered? when would you not?

also, Scott...can you explain discrete circuitry and point to point wiring, and why it's superior?
i'm guessing discrete means it's mono??? so that would require 2 pots per input...but then wouldn't that make the middle row of L/R Balance pots redundant?